Dogs DIE in hot cars
With temperatures soaring, it is vital to take care of our animals. And this means paying particular attention to the wellbeing of our livestock, wildlife and pets. There are always animals who suffer as a result of human thoughtlessness, arrogance and sheer stupidity, and sadly one scenario is dogs dying in hot cars. Dogs Die in Hot Cars Coalition launch their 2020 campaign Shortly after the UK Government eased lockdown restrictions, the Dogs Die in Hot Cars coalition group launched this year’s campaign. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Parking Association, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), PDSA, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, #TeamOtisUK and Wood Green The Animals Charity have all teamed up again to spread the message. Cars heat up fast A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly - even if it doesn't feel that warm. When it's 22 degrees ouside, the temperature in a car can reach 47 degrees in an hour. That's unbearable. Dogs can't wind the window down, open the car door or get themselves more water. They are trapped. Conservatories and caravans or motor homes can equally be death traps. Despite all the information available, the police and RSPCA still receive thousands of calls about dogs trapped inside cars on a hot day. What to do if you find a dog in a car on a hot dayThe RSPCA says: In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident. You can call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step. There is information on the RSPCA's website, with information about what to do if you find a dog in a car on a hot day, including advice for if you think you need to break into the car to get the dog out - this could be a criminal act, so there are tips for how to approach such an action. Under the Animal Welfare Act, all owners have a duty of care towards their animals. This includes preventing suffering, and not exposing them to extremes of temperature. If a dog is left on a warm day and suffers, the owners could be prosecuted. There's a PDF leaflet about dogs in hot cars that you can download for free with more information. |
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Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Parking Association, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), PDSA, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, #TeamOtisUK and Wood Green The Animals Charity have all teamed up again to spread the message.